1,326
edits
robot: Create/upgrade articles. If there is a mistake please report on my talk page.
(robot: Update article (please report if you notice any mistake or error in this edit)) |
(robot: Create/upgrade articles. If there is a mistake please report on my talk page.) |
||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
{{Short description|Explosive charge to clear obstacles}} | {{Short description|Explosive charge to clear obstacles}} | ||
{{Use dmy dates|date=April | {{Use dmy dates|date=April 2022}} | ||
{{refimprove|date=October | {{refimprove|date=October 2022}} | ||
{{Infobox weapon | {{Infobox weapon | ||
| name = Bangalore torpedo | | name = Bangalore torpedo | ||
| Line 36: | Line 36: | ||
|[[Vietnam War]] | |[[Vietnam War]] | ||
|[[Yom Kippur War]] | |[[Yom Kippur War]] | ||
|[[Afghanistan War (2001- | |[[Afghanistan War (2001-2021)|Afghanistan War]] | ||
}} | }} | ||
<!-- Production history -->| designer = Captain R. L. McClintock | <!-- Production history -->| designer = Captain R. L. McClintock | ||
| Line 42: | Line 42: | ||
| manufacturer = | | manufacturer = | ||
| unit_cost = | | unit_cost = | ||
| production_date = February 1943 | | production_date = February 1943–November 1944 (M1A1) | ||
| number = Approximately 3,255,000 torpedo sections (M1A1) | | number = Approximately 3,255,000 torpedo sections (M1A1) | ||
| variants = M1 Bangalore Torpedo series, Advanced Performance Bangalore Torpedo (L26A1 Bangalore Torpedo Demolition Charge), Bangalore Blade | | variants = M1 Bangalore Torpedo series, Advanced Performance Bangalore Torpedo (L26A1 Bangalore Torpedo Demolition Charge), Bangalore Blade | ||
| Line 63: | Line 63: | ||
A '''Bangalore torpedo''' is an [[explosive]] charge placed within one or several connected tubes. It is used by [[combat engineer]]s to clear obstacles that would otherwise require them to approach directly, possibly under fire. It is sometimes colloquially referred to as a "Bangalore mine", "banger" or simply "Bangalore" as well as a '''pole charge'''. | A '''Bangalore torpedo''' is an [[explosive]] charge placed within one or several connected tubes. It is used by [[combat engineer]]s to clear obstacles that would otherwise require them to approach directly, possibly under fire. It is sometimes colloquially referred to as a "Bangalore mine", "banger" or simply "Bangalore" as well as a '''pole charge'''. | ||
<!--It has been estimated that the modern Bangalore torpedo is effective for clearing a path through wire and mines up to {{convert|15|m|ft|abbr=on|0}} long and {{convert|1|m|abbr=on|0}} wide.{{Citation needed|date=February | <!--It has been estimated that the modern Bangalore torpedo is effective for clearing a path through wire and mines up to {{convert|15|m|ft|abbr=on|0}} long and {{convert|1|m|abbr=on|0}} wide.{{Citation needed|date=February 2022}}--> | ||
Per [[United States Army Field Manual]] 5-250 section 1-14, page 1-12 "b. Use. The primary use of the torpedo is clearing paths through wire obstacles and heavy undergrowth. It will clear a 3- to 4-metre wide path through wire obstacles." | Per [[United States Army Field Manual]] 5-250 section 1-14, page 1-12 "b. Use. The primary use of the torpedo is clearing paths through wire obstacles and heavy undergrowth. It will clear a 3- to 4-metre wide path through wire obstacles." | ||
| Line 70: | Line 70: | ||
[[File:Madras Sappers com Torpedo de bangalore em 1916 - 2.jpg|thumb|[[Madras Engineer Group|Madras Sappers and Miners]] with Bangalore torpedoes, 1916.]] | [[File:Madras Sappers com Torpedo de bangalore em 1916 - 2.jpg|thumb|[[Madras Engineer Group|Madras Sappers and Miners]] with Bangalore torpedoes, 1916.]] | ||
The Bangalore torpedo was devised by Captain R. L. McClintock | The Bangalore torpedo was devised by Captain R. L. McClintock<ref>Note; later Lieutenant-Colonel R. L. McClintock, Dunmore, Carrigans. [[Order of St Michael and St George|C.M.G]]., [[Distinguished Service Order|D.S.O.]], R.E.</ref> of the [[Royal Engineers]] while attached to the [[Madras Engineer Group|Madras Sappers and Miners]] unit of the [[British Indian Army|Indian Army]] at [[Bangalore]], India, in 1912. He invented it as a means of blowing up [[booby trap]]s and barricades left over from the [[Second Boer War]] and the [[Russo-Japanese War]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Duffy|first=Michael|title=Bangalore Torpedo|url=http://www.firstworldwar.com/atoz/bangaloretorpedo.htm|work=www.firstworldwar.com|access-date=26 July 2022}}</ref> The Bangalore torpedo could be exploded over a [[land mine|mine]] without a [[sapper]] having to approach closer than about {{convert|3|m|ft|abbr=on|0}}. | ||
Bangalore torpedoes were manufactured until 2017 by Mondial Defence Systems of [[Poole]], UK,<ref>[http://www.mondial-defence.com/2011/Products/Bangalore_8_Tube.html "Bangalore Torpedo – 8x1m Tube Set"]. [http://www.mondial-defence.com Mondial Defence Systems], Poole, UK. Retrieved 2013-05-11.</ref> for the UK and US armed forces. An improved version called the Advanced Performance Bangalore Torpedo (APBT) was developed by Chemring Energetics UK, part of the [[Chemring Group]], in response to a British Ministry of Defence requirement issued in 2008; the APBT was chosen by the MOD following competitive performance trials and is also in use with the militaries of Australia, the Netherlands, and New Zealand.<ref>{{cite web |author = Chemring Energetics UK |title = CEUK Demolition Stores Capability Brochure |year= 2018 |url= https://www.chemring.co.uk/~/media/Files/C/Chemring-V3/publications/CEUK%20Brochures/CEUK_Capabilities_A5_24pp_Iss2%20Feb%202018.pdf#page=11 |access-date= 20 January 2020|author-link = Chemring Group }}</ref> They have been used during the [[Afghanistan War (2001-present)|Afghanistan War]] for actions such as clearing mines or [[razor wire]].<ref>[http://www.nbcnews.com/id/33971978/ns/us_news-military/t/troops-hone-artillery-skills-cut-afghan-deaths/ Troops hone artillery skills to cut Afghan deaths]</ref> | Bangalore torpedoes were manufactured until 2017 by Mondial Defence Systems of [[Poole]], UK,<ref>[http://www.mondial-defence.com/2011/Products/Bangalore_8_Tube.html "Bangalore Torpedo – 8x1m Tube Set"]. [http://www.mondial-defence.com Mondial Defence Systems], Poole, UK. Retrieved 2013-05-11.</ref> for the UK and US armed forces. An improved version called the Advanced Performance Bangalore Torpedo (APBT) was developed by Chemring Energetics UK, part of the [[Chemring Group]], in response to a British Ministry of Defence requirement issued in 2008; the APBT was chosen by the MOD following competitive performance trials and is also in use with the militaries of Australia, the Netherlands, and New Zealand.<ref>{{cite web |author = Chemring Energetics UK |title = CEUK Demolition Stores Capability Brochure |year= 2018 |url= https://www.chemring.co.uk/~/media/Files/C/Chemring-V3/publications/CEUK%20Brochures/CEUK_Capabilities_A5_24pp_Iss2%20Feb%202018.pdf#page=11 |access-date= 20 January 2020|author-link = Chemring Group }}</ref> They have been used during the [[Afghanistan War (2001-present)|Afghanistan War]] for actions such as clearing mines or [[razor wire]].<ref>[http://www.nbcnews.com/id/33971978/ns/us_news-military/t/troops-hone-artillery-skills-cut-afghan-deaths/ Troops hone artillery skills to cut Afghan deaths]</ref> | ||
| Line 86: | Line 86: | ||
The Bangalore torpedo was later adopted by the [[United States Army|U.S. Army]] during [[World War II]], as the "M1A1 Bangalore torpedo". Bangalore torpedoes were packed in wooden crates that contained 10 torpedo sections, 10 connecting sleeves, and 1 nose sleeve; the total weight of a crate was 176 pounds (80 kg). Each torpedo section was 5 feet (1.5 m) long, 2.125 inches (54 mm) in diameter, and weighed 13 pounds (5.9 kg). Each end of the torpedo was filled with 4 inches (102 mm) of TNT booster, while the middle section contained an 80-20 [[amatol]] mixture; the explosive charge weighed about 9 pounds (4.1 kg). Each end of the torpedo had a recess to accommodate a standard [[United States Army Corps of Engineers|Corps of Engineers]] blasting cap. Torpedo sections could be attached together via spring clip-equipped connecting sleeves, and a blunt nose sleeve was provided so that the assembled torpedoes could be pushed through obstacles or across terrain without getting stuck. | The Bangalore torpedo was later adopted by the [[United States Army|U.S. Army]] during [[World War II]], as the "M1A1 Bangalore torpedo". Bangalore torpedoes were packed in wooden crates that contained 10 torpedo sections, 10 connecting sleeves, and 1 nose sleeve; the total weight of a crate was 176 pounds (80 kg). Each torpedo section was 5 feet (1.5 m) long, 2.125 inches (54 mm) in diameter, and weighed 13 pounds (5.9 kg). Each end of the torpedo was filled with 4 inches (102 mm) of TNT booster, while the middle section contained an 80-20 [[amatol]] mixture; the explosive charge weighed about 9 pounds (4.1 kg). Each end of the torpedo had a recess to accommodate a standard [[United States Army Corps of Engineers|Corps of Engineers]] blasting cap. Torpedo sections could be attached together via spring clip-equipped connecting sleeves, and a blunt nose sleeve was provided so that the assembled torpedoes could be pushed through obstacles or across terrain without getting stuck. | ||
It was widely used by the U.S. Army, notably during the [[Normandy landings|D-Day landings]]. The Bangalore torpedo was obsolete in British use at the time of [[Normandy landings|D-Day]], having been replaced by rocket-launched [[Mine-clearing line charge|Congers]] and [[Armoured Vehicle Royal Engineers]] (AVRE) vehicles equipped with a {{convert|40|lb|kg|adj=on}} explosive charge for bunker clearing.{{citation needed|date=November | It was widely used by the U.S. Army, notably during the [[Normandy landings|D-Day landings]]. The Bangalore torpedo was obsolete in British use at the time of [[Normandy landings|D-Day]], having been replaced by rocket-launched [[Mine-clearing line charge|Congers]] and [[Armoured Vehicle Royal Engineers]] (AVRE) vehicles equipped with a {{convert|40|lb|kg|adj=on}} explosive charge for bunker clearing.{{citation needed|date=November 2022}} | ||
== Post-World War II development == | == Post-World War II development == | ||
| Line 95: | Line 95: | ||
During the [[Yom Kippur War]] in 1973, Bangalore torpedoes were used by the [[Israel]]is to clear paths through [[Syria]]n minefields.<ref>Rabinovich, Abraham. ''The Yom Kippur War''. Schoken Books (2005), p. 309</ref> | During the [[Yom Kippur War]] in 1973, Bangalore torpedoes were used by the [[Israel]]is to clear paths through [[Syria]]n minefields.<ref>Rabinovich, Abraham. ''The Yom Kippur War''. Schoken Books (2005), p. 309</ref> | ||
Bangalore torpedoes continue to be used today in the little-changed M1A2 and M1A3<ref>{{cite web|url=https://dod.defense.gov/OIR/gallery/igphoto/2001934446/ |title=Priming A Torpedo|date=15 June 2018|website=Defense.gov}}</ref> versions (United States Armed Forces) and the modified Advanced Performance Bangalore Torpedo version (British Armed Forces and Australian Defence Force, under the L26A1 designation which is also used by Chemring),<ref>{{cite web |author = Ministry of Defence (United Kingdom) |title = DIN Digest October 2012 |year= 2012 |url= https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/49654/DINDIGEST_2012_October.pdf#page=5 |access-date= 12 August 2018|author-link = Ministry of Defence (United Kingdom) }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author = Royal Australian Engineers |title = Australian Sapper 2016 |year= 2016 |url= https://www.raevictoria.asn.au/resources/Australian%20Sapper%202016.pdf#page=17 |access-date= 20 January 2020|author-link = Royal Australian Engineers}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author = Chemring Energetics UK |title = Advanced Performance Bangalore Torpedo |year= 2011 |url= https://www.militarysystems-tech.com/files/militarysystems/supplier_docs/CEUK-AP-Bangalore-Torpedo.pdf |access-date= 20 January 2020|author-link = Chemring Group }}</ref> primarily to breach wire obstacles. Combat engineers have also been known to construct similar field versions of the Bangalore by assembling segments of metal picket posts and filling the concave portion with [[plastic explosive]] (PE).{{citation needed|date=September | Bangalore torpedoes continue to be used today in the little-changed M1A2 and M1A3<ref>{{cite web|url=https://dod.defense.gov/OIR/gallery/igphoto/2001934446/ |title=Priming A Torpedo|date=15 June 2018|website=Defense.gov}}</ref> versions (United States Armed Forces) and the modified Advanced Performance Bangalore Torpedo version (British Armed Forces and Australian Defence Force, under the L26A1 designation which is also used by Chemring),<ref>{{cite web |author = Ministry of Defence (United Kingdom) |title = DIN Digest October 2012 |year= 2012 |url= https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/49654/DINDIGEST_2012_October.pdf#page=5 |access-date= 12 August 2018|author-link = Ministry of Defence (United Kingdom) }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author = Royal Australian Engineers |title = Australian Sapper 2016 |year= 2016 |url= https://www.raevictoria.asn.au/resources/Australian%20Sapper%202016.pdf#page=17 |access-date= 20 January 2020|author-link = Royal Australian Engineers}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author = Chemring Energetics UK |title = Advanced Performance Bangalore Torpedo |year= 2011 |url= https://www.militarysystems-tech.com/files/militarysystems/supplier_docs/CEUK-AP-Bangalore-Torpedo.pdf |access-date= 20 January 2020|author-link = Chemring Group }}</ref> primarily to breach wire obstacles. Combat engineers have also been known to construct similar field versions of the Bangalore by assembling segments of metal picket posts and filling the concave portion with [[plastic explosive]] (PE).{{citation needed|date=September 2022}} The PE is then primed with detonating cord and a detonator, and pickets are taped or wired together to make a long torpedo, producing [[Fragmentation (weaponry)|fragments]] (aka "[[Shrapnel shell|shrapnel]]") that cut the wire when detonated. This method produces results similar to the standard-issue Bangalore, and can be assembled to the desired length by adding picket segments. | ||
Newer Bangalore variants include the Alford Technologies Bangalore Blade and the Chemring Advanced Performance Bangalore Torpedo (APBT), with both of these having been developed in the United Kingdom. The Bangalore Blade is made from lightweight aluminium and is configured as a linear explosively formed projectile (EFP) array capable of cutting wire obstacles which earlier Bangalore variants were incapable of breaching effectively; the improvements introduced with the Bangalore Blade give the charge a cutting action as well as a blasting effect. In a test detonation conducted on the [[television]] show ''[[Future Weapons]]'', the Bangalore Blade blasted a gap roughly five meters wide in [[concertina wire]], and created a trench deep enough to detonate most nearby anti-personnel mines. Alford Technologies' web page for the Bangalore Blade cites additional trial detonations involving two identical triple-razor wire entanglements erected between steel pickets; a Bangalore torpedo conforming to the original design cleared a three metre path, while the Bangalore Blade cleared a ten metre path.<ref>{{cite web |author = Alford Technologies |title = Bangalore Blade |url= https://explosives.net/product/bangalore-blade/ |access-date= 20 January 2020 }}</ref> The Advanced Performance Bangalore Torpedo also uses an aluminium body and is filled with two kilograms of DPX1 high density pressed explosive; a unique and patented design feature is incorporated which, in combination with the DPX1 explosive, provides enhanced blast and fragmentation effects which in turn provide an enhanced cutting capability against both simple and complex wire entanglements. The APBT is capable of cutting through up to six millimetres of steel plating. Up to eight APBTs can be combined with one another, with the resulting assembly capable of defeating obstacles that are up to eight metres in length; the quick-turn thread used for this purpose has been designed for ease of assembly when contaminated with sand, soil, or mud whilst being strong enough to ensure reliable deployment of connected charges without inadvertent decoupling.<ref>{{cite web |author = Chemring Energetics UK |title = AP Bangalore Torpedo |year= 2016 |url= https://www.chemring.co.uk/~/media/Files/C/Chemring-V3/documents/energetics/bangalore-torpedo-apbt-.pdf |access-date= 20 January 2020|author-link = Chemring Group }}</ref> The APBT also has an improved [[Insensitive munition|Insensitive Munition]] signature compared to preceding in-service designs.<ref>{{cite web |author = Chemring Energetics UK |title = Bangalore Torpedo Replacement |year= 2010 |url= https://imemg.org/wp-content/uploads/IMEMTS%202010/presentations/im_systems_4_Young.pdf |access-date= 1 July 2020|author-link = Chemring Group }}</ref> | Newer Bangalore variants include the Alford Technologies Bangalore Blade and the Chemring Advanced Performance Bangalore Torpedo (APBT), with both of these having been developed in the United Kingdom. The Bangalore Blade is made from lightweight aluminium and is configured as a linear explosively formed projectile (EFP) array capable of cutting wire obstacles which earlier Bangalore variants were incapable of breaching effectively; the improvements introduced with the Bangalore Blade give the charge a cutting action as well as a blasting effect. In a test detonation conducted on the [[television]] show ''[[Future Weapons]]'', the Bangalore Blade blasted a gap roughly five meters wide in [[concertina wire]], and created a trench deep enough to detonate most nearby anti-personnel mines. Alford Technologies' web page for the Bangalore Blade cites additional trial detonations involving two identical triple-razor wire entanglements erected between steel pickets; a Bangalore torpedo conforming to the original design cleared a three metre path, while the Bangalore Blade cleared a ten metre path.<ref>{{cite web |author = Alford Technologies |title = Bangalore Blade |url= https://explosives.net/product/bangalore-blade/ |access-date= 20 January 2020 }}</ref> The Advanced Performance Bangalore Torpedo also uses an aluminium body and is filled with two kilograms of DPX1 high density pressed explosive; a unique and patented design feature is incorporated which, in combination with the DPX1 explosive, provides enhanced blast and fragmentation effects which in turn provide an enhanced cutting capability against both simple and complex wire entanglements. The APBT is capable of cutting through up to six millimetres of steel plating. Up to eight APBTs can be combined with one another, with the resulting assembly capable of defeating obstacles that are up to eight metres in length; the quick-turn thread used for this purpose has been designed for ease of assembly when contaminated with sand, soil, or mud whilst being strong enough to ensure reliable deployment of connected charges without inadvertent decoupling.<ref>{{cite web |author = Chemring Energetics UK |title = AP Bangalore Torpedo |year= 2016 |url= https://www.chemring.co.uk/~/media/Files/C/Chemring-V3/documents/energetics/bangalore-torpedo-apbt-.pdf |access-date= 20 January 2020|author-link = Chemring Group }}</ref> The APBT also has an improved [[Insensitive munition|Insensitive Munition]] signature compared to preceding in-service designs.<ref>{{cite web |author = Chemring Energetics UK |title = Bangalore Torpedo Replacement |year= 2010 |url= https://imemg.org/wp-content/uploads/IMEMTS%202010/presentations/im_systems_4_Young.pdf |access-date= 1 July 2020|author-link = Chemring Group }}</ref> | ||
== Other recent path-clearing devices == | == Other recent path-clearing devices == | ||
The U.S. [[Anti-Personnel Obstacle Breaching System|anti-personnel obstacle breaching system]] (APOBS) is being brought into service as a replacement to the Bangalore for path-clearing due to their ease of use, effectiveness, and flexibility – they can clear a path several times longer than the Bangalore torpedo.{{Citation needed|date=April | The U.S. [[Anti-Personnel Obstacle Breaching System|anti-personnel obstacle breaching system]] (APOBS) is being brought into service as a replacement to the Bangalore for path-clearing due to their ease of use, effectiveness, and flexibility – they can clear a path several times longer than the Bangalore torpedo.{{Citation needed|date=April 2022}} | ||
== See also == | == See also == | ||